Watch: 'Hopefully, he can make...' - Mohammed Siraj's family opens up after India's win in 1st ODI vs New Zealand

IND vs NZ ODIS 2023: Watch: 'Hopefully, he can make...' - Mohammed Siraj's family open up after India's win in 1st ODI (Image Source: Twitter)

India faced off against New Zealand in the first match of the three-match series on January 18, Wednesday and the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team turned out to be the winners but with a tiny margin of 12 runs. For the unversed, chasing a target of 350, the Kiwis managed to push until the 337-run mark, losing the game by 12 runs. 

It was Michael Bracewell who stood up for the team with his quickfire 140, while Mohammed Siraj shined with the ball with his four-for. In his spell of 10 overs, the right-armer conceded 46 runs, maintaining an economy of under 5. Shubman Gill, the right-handed young opener, joined the elite list as he scored a mighty 208 to his name, during the first innings. 

Siraj’s family witnessed the pacer pouncing in with grit and determination during the second innings, as they opened up on their dreams to witness the bowler play for India in the upcoming 50-over World Cup scheduled to take place at home later this year. His mother Shabana Begum said she wants her son to play for the Indian team in the approaching multinational tournament. 

“I would like to thank Allah and hope that Siraj can continue to shine for India. Hopefully, he can continue his performances and make it into the World Cup squad," Siraj’s mother Shabana was quoted as saying post the conclusion of the thrilling game. 

Mohammed Siraj has been brilliant: Rohit Sharma

It was Siraj who handed the win with the ball for India against the fiery Black Caps batters, who managed to bounce back after being restricted to 131/6, with Bracewell and Mitchell Santner putting on a 162-run stand for the 7th wicket. To add more, Santner gathered 57 runs and helped Bracewell carry on with his onslaught. The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said that the pacer has been growing in stature and hoped that Siraj would continue with his form in the upcoming games as well. 

“Siraj has been brilliant, not just in this game but in the red-ball, T20 format and now ODIs. Really good to see what he does with the ball. Executing what he wants to do and he is very clear about his plans. Which is how it should be,” Rohit was quoted as saying during the post-match presentation.